USF Poly Given Path to Independence

Will the University of South Florida Polytechnic become an independent state university? If a lot of specific things happen — yes. Eventually.

By MARY TOOTHMANTHE LEDGER

BOCA RATON | Will the University of South Florida Polytechnic become an independent state university? If a lot of specific things happen — yes.

Eventually.

That's the sum of what happened Wednesday night, when the State University System Florida Board of Governors voted 13-3 to approve the "concept" of independence for the Lakeland campus if several key conditions are met.

The decision was a compromise of sorts reached after hours of discussion that started in midafternoon and went on past 7:30 p.m.

The meeting was preceded by months of emotional debate that many stakeholders said had been highly disruptive and time-consuming.

Before voting, the board heard from proponents, such as USF Poly Regional Chancellor Marshall Goodman and state Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales.

It also heard from opponents, such as state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, who sent a letter voicing her concerns.

Once the vote passed, members of the audience turned to one another to confer.

"What just happened?" seemed to be a common question. "What does this mean?"

What it meant was that the Lakeland campus might be approved for independence in several years if it does as the board requests. And in the meantime, the board will be watching, and USF President Judy Genshaft will still be over the USF Poly administration.

Asked whether the vote was actually a "soft no," Alexander, the strong political arm behind the separation campaign, said firmly: "It's a yes."

Alexander said the requirements would need to happen during the next two to five years to convince the Board of Governors to set the Lakeland campus free. Those items were drawn straight from a business plan submitted by USP Poly.

"They are all achievable. It's the right decision," Alexander said of the vote.

Among those requirements are obtaining accreditation separate from USF and the development of buildings and programs, with a particular focus on science and technology.

The Board of Governors built into the requirements a requirement that the board retain the right to decide whether those conditions have been met.

Board member John Temple — the panel's most outspoken opponent to the split — said he hopes USF will take firm control of the Lakeland campus after months of division over the independence issue.

"We need to get back in charge. We are in charge," he said. "There is insubordination here. We can't even ask for an audit. We need to get this thing under control."

Before the vote, members of the Board of Governors weighed in one by one. They said independence was not a bad idea. But they said more time was needed.

"Come back to us in two or three or four years," said member Patricia Frost. "At this time, for this concept, I think it's time that we not approve it, not go forward until we see how this campus can be developed. I think the idea is great but certainly I don't think the time is great."

Goodman sat stone-faced with his hands clasped in his lap, as the board's opinions became more and more clear. He also was subjected to strong criticism, in particular from Board member John Temple, who asked USF's Genshaft whether she was ready to give Goodman walking papers.

Genshaft did not address that question directly. She did give a passionate speech and took issue with the remarks that have been made regarding USF's alleged neglect of the polytechnic.

"The USF system is working, and it is working very well," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Alexander told the governors he disagreed, saying USF had not made the development of its Lakeland polytechnic campus a priority.

At one point in the meeting, Goodman told the board that many of the issues they raised were not new. People who had been enthusiastic prior to talk of a split were now finding flaws in a plan that had long been underway, he said.

Alexander said after the meeting that Goodman was being unfairly singled out.

"Marshall has been inappropriately demonized," Alexander said.

As to talk among stakeholders that Goodman may not survive the upcoming transitional period, Alexander said "Marshall is bright, as is his future."

[ Mary Toothman can be reached at mary.toothman@theledger.com or 863-802-7512. Her Twitter feed is @Mary.Toothman. ]